Preparing for your B-school interview? Here’s a genuine real interview transcript from a candidate who appeared for the IIM Lucknow
admission process.
This detailed transcript gives you a realistic view of what happens inside the panel room — from the actual questions asked to how the candidate responded, and what impressed the interviewers. This is a part of the real GDPI.
At PrepBee, we collect and verify real GDPI-WAT experiences from aspirants who have faced India’s top management institutes — including IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, TISS, and IIFT.
Each transcript is reviewed by our mentors to ensure it reflects current trends, relevant topics, and actionable learning for upcoming candidates. When it comes to B-school interview preparation — AYN is all you need.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 1
Candidate Profile
Name: Axxxxxx Sxxxxx
Interview: IIM Lucknow
CAT Percentile: 99.54
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 95% / 95.2% / 82.9%
Education: Mechanical Engineering
Work Experience: 30 months (8 months Construction + 22 months Analytics in Banking)
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM); Applied for both MBA and MBA-ABM programs.
Program: Arjun Saraf’s strong profile and career pivot from construction to banking analytics require a clear justification for the MBA and ABM specializations. His readiness to link banking crises to macroeconomics is crucial for MBA admission, a skill often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Gold should be used as the international currency, not the US dollar. Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate needed to argue the pros of the Gold Standard (stability, inflation control, trust) versus the cons of the US Dollar Standard (fiat risk, political manipulation). The conclusion should favor the dollar’s practicality (liquidity, flexibility) while noting gold’s value as a stable reserve asset.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Finance, Pivot, and Agri-Policy, ~10 minutes
The panel (P1 and P2) conducted a very short, chill, and focused interview, concentrating on the candidate’s career switch, his knowledge of the banking sector, and his opinion on agricultural corporatization.
Q1. P1: “You have switched early in your career from engineering to Analytics. Why?” The candidate explained the rationale for the switch, citing the initial job becoming monotonous and seeking a more dynamic role.
Q2. P1: “Asked about my work at the current organization. Since you are in banking, do you follow the news happening in the banking industry?” The candidate explained his current role and confirmed his focus on banking and economics news.
Q3. P1: “You would have heard about the collapse of a few banks last year in the US, right? Please explain why they collapsed.” The candidate identified Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. He explained the collapse via the asset-liability mismatch: banks invested deposits in long-term low-interest bonds, and the subsequent increase in the Fed Repo Rate forced them to sell these depreciated assets at a loss when depositors withdrew funds, leading to a liquidity crisis.
Q4. P1: “So who do you think is to be blamed here? Do you think SVB could have diversified their portfolio better?” The candidate attributed blame primarily to poor financial mismanagement from SVB and secondarily to the sudden interest rate increase by the Fed. He agreed that diversification would have been a better strategy.
Q5. P2: “So you have applied for ABM too, right? Are you really interested in ABM? Please give an honest answer.” The candidate was honest, stating a preference for the core MBA but expressing genuine interest in the opportunities provided by the ABM course, managing the choice dilemma well.
Q6. P1: “Which all sectors do you think you can move into, if you get ABM?” The candidate named supply chain and finance sector, linking the analytical skills gained in banking to the agribusiness domain.
Q7. P1: “Asked about my opinion on corporatizing the Agriculture sector. Why did the farmers protest against the Farm bills?” The candidate supported corporatization as a good move but emphasized the need for heavy government regulation. He explained the farmers’ fear centered on the potential removal of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee.
Q8. P1: “Do you think corporatization would happen in the future?” The candidate agreed that it would happen but stressed the importance of a slow, steady pace and proper consultation with farmers.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was exceptionally brief and highly focused on domain understanding. The candidate successfully articulated the complex SVB collapse and provided clear rationale for his career pivot. Crucially, he gave an honest yet diplomatic answer regarding the ABM program and displayed sound policy knowledge concerning the farm protests and agricultural corporatization. This demonstration of quick, accurate business acumen and policy awareness, delivered in a chill environment, confirms his preparedness for the MBA program.
Non-Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 2
Candidate Profile
Name: Kxxxxx Pxxxx
Interview: IIM Lucknow
CAT Percentile: Not Specified
Academics (UG): B.Com Fresher (2023 Graduate)
Education: Non-Engineering Male (NEM), Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: General Category Inferred; Applied for MBA-ABM program.
Program: Arjun Saraf’s profile as a B.Com fresher requires sharp defense of quantitative fundamentals and a clear rationale for the ABM specialization. This strategic readiness for the IIM interview experience is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here). For more resources on B-school GDPI and MBA admission strategy, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Challenges and benefits faced due to sustainable business practices. Duration: 15 mins (300 words felt short) The candidate needed to analyze the trade-offs of ESG implementation. The essay should balance the Challenges (high initial cost, difficulty measuring ROI, greenwashing risk) against the Benefits (long-term brand value, risk reduction, access to green finance, customer loyalty). The 15-minute time limit required extreme conciseness.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Academics, Finance, and Policy, 8–10 minutes
The panel P1-Quant/Policy, P2-Finance/Current Affairs conducted a very short, rapid-fire interview focused on quantitative basics, financial accounting, and current affairs, with significant pressure applied to the ABM motivation.
Q1. P1: “You are graduated in the year 2023. So then you prepared for CAT? Why didn’t you go for a job?” The panel immediately questioned the fresher status and career gap, interrupting the candidate’s justification.
Q2. P1: “So you’re from accounting, you had a statistics paper? What is Mean and why is it for? What is Median? What is the difference between Mean and Median? What if mean is lower than median?” The panel drilled the candidate on central tendency measures. The candidate successfully explained the concepts and the implication of mean < median (typically negative skewness in the distribution).
Q3. P1: “Did you listen to the interim budget speech? What was it about? Why is it not the full budget and only interim?” The candidate briefed on the budget and explained the distinction (Interim Budget is a temporary measure for expenses until a new government or the fiscal year begins, common before elections).
Q4. P2: “Your ABM preference really messed up. I had to confess I applied because I got shortlisted.” P2 intensely questioned the sincerity of the ABM choice against the candidate’s B.Com background. The candidate conceded the lack of passion, weakening his candidature significantly.
Q5. P2: “Any other current affairs gone through? Paytm payments issue. Will the Paytm fully be closed?” The candidate discussed the recent regulatory action against Paytm Payments Bank, demonstrating awareness of the RBI’s directives and operational restrictions.
Q6. P2: “Why the balance sheet sides should tally? Why should the cash inflow and outflow should match? Where does the profit appear in the balance sheet?” The panel tested core accounting: the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity), the difference between the Balance Sheet (a snapshot) and the Cash Flow Statement, and the location of profit (via Retained Earnings in the Equity section).
Panel’s Impression
The interview was extremely short (8-10 minutes) and highly conceptual, serving as a rapid academic check. The candidate performed well in defending his quantitative basics (Mean/Median) and core Financial Accounting knowledge. However, the most critical failure was the lack of conviction in the ABM program, which the candidate openly admitted, likely damaging his overall sincerity score. Despite the strong answers on the budget and financial principles, the fundamental weakness in justifying the specialization was noted.
Non-Engineer | Work -Ex | Transcript 3
Candidate Profile
Name: Arjun Saraf
Interview: IIM Lucknow
CAT Percentile: Not Specified
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 8 GPA / 8 GPA / 8 GPA (Consistent scores)
Education: Mechanical Background
Work Experience: 35 months (6 months current company + earlier in construction)
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM); Applied for MBA program.
Program: Arjun Saraf’s profile, marked by consistent academic scores and diverse experience in construction and IT, requires a sharp defense of engineering fundamentals and ethical reasoning for MBA admission. His strategic readiness is often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: College degree is overhyped in Indian education system Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate needed to write a balanced essay. The answer should acknowledge the hype and deficiencies (poor skill alignment, focus on credentials over competence) while defending the degree’s core value (structured knowledge base, signaling tool for employers, network formation, social mobility). The conclusion should argue that the utility of the degree, not the degree itself, is currently being overhyped.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Technical Fundamentals and Ethics, ~20 minutes
The panel (two males) conducted a focused interview, testing the candidate’s core engineering knowledge, consistency versus stagnation, and ability to handle ethical dilemmas.
Q1. P1: “You were the last candidate on the list, what were you thinking outside?” The candidate answered by naming his hometown (Dhanbad, Jharkhand), preemptively trying to steer the conversation toward anticipated regional current affairs.
Q2. P1: “Type of coal mines? You must have seen in your district.” The candidate correctly classified and defined open mines (opencast) and closed mines (underground).
Q3. P1: “What’s your company doing and your role in this? How long have you been there in this company? Earlier I was in the construction sector.” The candidate explained his current role (6 months) and detailed his prior, longer work experience in the construction industry.
Q4. P1: “Tell me about the construction of the Howrah Bridge. I want to know the type of beam.” The candidate fumbled but guessed the structure was either a combination of two cantilever beams or an overhanging bridge. He then drew a diagram and explained the overhanging bridge concept.
.
Q5. P1: “How will you identify the defects inside the metal body?” The candidate correctly suggested checking material strength against standard values and mentioned ultrasonic wave testing. P1 interrupted to explain and differentiate Destructive and Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) with examples, ensuring the technical concepts were covered precisely.
Q6. P2: “Your CGPA is very close to 8 in every semester. What does that mean, you are stagnant or consistent?” The candidate defended his scores, choosing consistency and linking it to his concurrent extracurricular activities, arguing that it proves reliable performance across the years.
Q7. P2: “Write on the paper: ‘I am eager to learn’. Then why have you written ‘l m eager to learn‘ in SOP?” The panel conducted a stress test/attention-to-detail check by questioning a perceived typo. The candidate correctly identified the error as likely a poor print quality rendering of the contraction “I’m”.
Q8. P2: “What would you prefer in case of a dilemma, your ethics or your morality?” The candidate answered in favor of his ethics, but his response lacked structure, becoming repetitive. He failed to distinguish clearly between the two concepts (Ethics: codified, professional standards; Morality: personal values, principles).
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a targeted evaluation of technical application and consistency. The panel accepted the candidate’s defense of his consistent academic record but found the technical answers on bridge beams and material testing to be insufficient, requiring professorial correction (NDT/Destructive tests). The candidate managed the stress test on the SOP typo but struggled with the final ethical dilemma. This performance, marked by moderate technical depth and a lapse in structured ethical reasoning, suggests the panel was satisfied with his basic profile but did not find major outstanding strengths.
Engineer | Work- Ex | Transcript 4
Candidate Profile
Name: Xccccc Kccccc
Interview: IIM Lucknow – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: 99.34
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 96% / 86% / 79.4% (B.Tech IT)
Education: B.Tech Information Technology
Work Experience: 23 months (Product Engineer/SDE)
Other: General Engineer Male GEM; Active stock trader.
Program: Xccccc Kccccc’s profile, combining software development with active trading experience, requires a strong defense of financial concepts and ethical/political awareness for MBA admission. His readiness to handle finance-heavy questions is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Growth in times of uncertainty Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate needed to write a strategic essay. The answer should define uncertainty (e.g., geopolitical conflicts, inflation, supply chain disruptions) and argue that growth during such times requires resilience, agility, and innovation (e.g., diversification, digital adoption, strong cash reserves). The focus should be on strategic adaptation.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Finance, Trading, and Ethics, 25+ minutes
The panel (two males) conducted a comprehensive interview, heavily focused on the candidate’s active trading activities, financial market knowledge, and ethical views on corporate and political corruption.
Q1. Panel: “Introduce yourself? Where are you from, tell the speciality of your city?” The candidate gave a standard introduction and discussed key features of his hometown.
Q2. Panel: “Tell about your work experience? What all technologies you worked on? What business do you do currently?” The candidate explained his Product Engineer/SDE role and the technologies used. The panel questioned his current activity, prompting him to disclose his full-time trading.
Q3. Panel: “What percentage returns have you earned through trading? Any trading challenges you won? Show the certificates?” The candidate provided his returns and cited his successful completion of the Zerodha 60-day challenge 8 times, leading the panel to request verification of the certificates.
Q4. Panel: “What is your trading capital? Recommend us 3 stocks for next 5 years and tell the returns expected?” The panel tested his practical investment knowledge, requiring specific stock recommendations and quantified projections.
Q5. Panel: “Who is/are your idol/s?” The candidate named his role models.
Q6. Panel: “What is IT sector, manufacturing sector contribution to GDP of India percentage terms?” The candidate was tested on core economic facts, with a panelist actively checking the figures for verification.
Q7. Panel: “What is the current market scenario? How much will the Sensex fall? Will retailers stabilize the market?” The candidate was asked to provide a macro-market outlook, predict index movement, and assess the influence of retail investors on market stability.
Q8. Panel: “What is P/E ratio? Tell P/E ratio of Sarda Energy?” The candidate defined the Price-to-Earnings ratio and was tested on the specific valuation metric of an obscure company.
Q9. Panel: “Other than India, which are strong economies?” The candidate listed major global economies.
Q10. Panel: “What did you do during your research at IIT Guwahati? Your opinion on Chitra Ramakrishna scam?” The candidate discussed his academic research and provided details on the NSE co-location scam, including the role of the Himalayan Yogi.
Q11. Panel: “A lot of corrupt women politicians are there—your opinion?” The candidate was presented with a sensitive ethical and political generalization, requiring him to address corruption in general, without gender bias, while discussing accountability.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a highly effective pressure test designed to verify the candidate’s claims of being a full-time trader and SDE. The panel rigorously checked his financial knowledge, organizational facts (GDP contributions), and integrity (asking for trading certificates). The candidate’s ability to name specific stocks, define P/E ratio, and discuss market scenarios confirmed his aptitude for finance. His handling of the ethical questions (Chitra Ramakrishna, corruption) demonstrated necessary maturity. This robust performance, characterized by practical financial knowledge and confidence, reflects the strategic depth achieved through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non-Engineer | Fresher | Transcripts 5
Candidate Profile
Name: Xccccc Kccccc (Referred to as Abhishek in the transcript)
Interview: IIM Lucknow – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: 99.68
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 78% / 89% / 69% (B.Sc. Chemistry)
Education: B.Sc. Chemistry, EWS Non-Engineering Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: General Category Inferred; Hobbies include writing on Quora.
Program: Xccccc Kccccc’s profile features a high CAT score but low and inconsistent academic marks, requiring a strong defense of commitment and quantitative aptitude for MBA admission. His strategic readiness is often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The WAT topic was not provided in the transcript.
Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow.
The candidate would be expected to deliver a structured and coherent essay, demonstrating strong argumentative skills and clarity of thought on the assigned topic.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Stress, Puzzles, and Academic Defense, 20+ minutes
The panel (P1-Friendly/GK, P2-Stress/Quant) conducted a highly stressful interview focused heavily on exposing the candidate’s academic inconsistencies and testing creative problem-solving under pressure.
Q1. P2: “Show me Data form. Why so poor marks? You think we are sitting here to listen to your lies?”
The panel immediately attacked the candidate’s low academic scores and honesty, creating a stressful environment. The candidate managed the situation by admitting past lack of seriousness and citing the significant percentage point increase in 12th grade as proof of learning.
Q2. P2: “You seem a Dilr Genius!! You have 50 blue and 50 red balls. 2 Jars with 100 each capacity… put them such that I’ll blindfold you, and you have to Pick a Red Ball else you’re rejected.”
The candidate failed to solve the probability puzzle. [Optimal solution: Jar 1: 1 Red Ball; Jar 2: 49 Red, 50 Blue. Probability $\approx 74.7 \%$].
Q3. P2: “Another puzzle, 8 identical balls, one has weight different from the other. You have a pair of scales… find the ball in min no of steps.”
The candidate guessed 3 steps, which is the correct minimum number of steps for finding the odd ball.
Q4. P2: “4 workers make 20 bus in 20 days. Find days required for 2 workers to make 1 bus.”
The candidate correctly solved the work-rate problem (2 days), but the panel continued to press for “other possibilities,” including an absurd possibility of one worker doing no work at all, designed purely to test resilience.
Q5. P1: “Since you write on Quora… Who’s the Founder of Quora?”
The candidate correctly answered Adam D’Angelo and added the relevant detail that he was the former CTO of Facebook.
Q6. P1: “Now tell me the Birth year of MSD. Also how many ODIs has he played.”
The candidate demonstrated sharp memory and accuracy, correctly answering 1981 and exactly 350 ODIs.
Q7. P1: “Good. Now tell me What’s happening in International Tennis.”
The candidate honestly admitted not following international tennis.
Q8. P2: “You studied Chemistry? What’s Isothermal reaction? Tell me more of what you read in Grad. Asked Malus Law.”
The candidate correctly defined an isothermal reaction (constant temperature) but admitted not studying Malus Law (Physics/Optics), confirming the limits of his academic recall.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a severe stress test characterized by aggressive questioning regarding academic inconsistency and rapid-fire quantitative puzzles. The candidate demonstrated excellent composure and strong general knowledge/memory (Quora founder, MSD stats), which offset his quantitative and academic lapses. While the failures in the two key puzzles and the sustained pressure on his academic marks were negative, his ability to maintain a smile and manage the narrative under P2’s hostility confirmed his mental toughness. This resilience, combined with his high CAT score, is a significant strength for the IIM interview experience, a trait often developed through systematic stress preparation provided by PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Enginner | Work-Ex | Transcript 6
Candidate Profile
Name: Xccccc Kccccc
Interview: IIM Lucknow – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: Not Specified
Academics (UG): Engineer
Education: General Male GM
Work Experience: Experience at Amazon
Other: Justified late CAT attempt and low percentile; Challenged on low Quants score.
Program: Xccccc Kccccc’s professional experience at Amazon and strong college background are assets for MBA admission. His ability to defend his academic past and articulate business case studies is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Media Freedom: should it be given or should it be censored Duration: 15 mins The candidate needed to write a balanced essay, arguing that absolute freedom is untenable (leading to misinformation, hate speech, defamation) but that censorship must be minimal and legally restricted (only justified by national security, public order, and contempt of court). The conclusion should advocate for a framework based on accountability, not pre-censorship.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Technology, Strategy, and Valuation, 15+ minutes
The panel (two mid-40s males) conducted a good-natured interview focusing on the candidate’s professional domain (Amazon), strategic rivals, and business case studies.
Q1. Panel: “What all calls do you have? You are from a good college, why so low percentile?” The candidate listed his calls. He then justified his low CAT percentile and the reason for his late attempt, citing disruptions such as Covid.
Q2. Panelist 1: “Tell me two business case studies wherein IT has revolutionized Business processes.” The candidate cited e-commerce, online education, and online pharmacy, showing awareness of digital transformation.
Q3. Panelist 1: “Had some discussions around how Blinkit can be a competitor of online pharmacy apps.” The discussion centered on the strategic competition between quick commerce and specialized e-pharmacy.
Q4. Panelist 2: “Tell me about your work in Amazon.” The candidate detailed his role, specifically discussing Inventory Management and forecasting.
Q5. Panelist 2: “Tell me the meaning of your name.” The candidate explained the meaning, which took a funny turn and lightened up the mood.
Q6. Panelist 2: “Who are the biggest competitors of Amazon?” The candidate identified rivals across different segments: Walmart in Retail, Netflix in Video streaming, and GCP/Azure in Cloud.
Q7. Panelist 2: “What’s the CapEx of Amazon?” The candidate did not know the exact figure but attempted to deduce it using analytical reasoning based on the peak share price and company valuation, although the deduction was incorrect.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was good-natured and conversational, successfully verifying the candidate’s domain knowledge in e-commerce strategy, inventory management, and technical business cases. While the candidate displayed strong analytical thinking by attempting to deduce the CapEx, he demonstrated a lack of specific knowledge in corporate finance metrics. The panel’s positive feedback and lack of grilling suggest they valued the candidate’s composure, honesty, and analytical attempt over perfect recall. This positive assessment, despite factual errors in finance, reflects the importance of strategic communication skills often gained through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non-Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 7
Candidate Profile
Name: Ucccccc Fnnnnnnn
Interview: IIM Lucknow PGP – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: 99.9
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 93% / 93% / 7.5 GPA
Education: B.Sc. in Computer Science
Work Experience: 19 months as an SAP Developer at Deloitte USI
Other: General Male (GM)
Program: Arjun Saraf’s exceptional CAT score and experience at a Big 4 firm require sharp defense of technical concepts, finance, and ethics for MBA admission. His readiness to handle sustained pressure and academic scrutiny is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Businesses should behave in a socially responsible manner.
Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow.
The candidate needed to argue for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The essay should balance the traditional shareholder theory (profit maximization) with the modern stakeholder theory (ESG compliance, ethical behavior), arguing that social responsibility is essential for long-term reputation, risk mitigation, and sustainable profitability.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Stress, Quant, and Ethics Focus, 25+ minutes
The panel (P1-Quant/Technical, P2-Stress/Career) conducted a highly intensive interview, characterized by sustained pressure, questioning the candidate’s honesty, academic fundamentals, and ethical stance on corporate governance.
Q1. P2: “Walk quickly! Give your CAT scorecard.”
The interview began with a deliberate stress-inducing command and the panel snatching the file, immediately testing the candidate’s initial composure.
Q2. P1/P2: “You have scored pretty high. How? Did you cheat? What is the probability of you cheating when there are security cameras?”
The panel launched a direct attack on the integrity of the high CAT score. The candidate maintained composure and defined probability and conditional probability, linking the scenario to Bayes Theorem (though unsure of the name).
Q3. P1: “Draw the graph of $\log \frac{1}{x}$ and $\frac{1}{\log x}$.”
The candidate was asked to draw two complex graphs involving composite and reciprocal logarithmic functions, where he admitted a blunder, confirming a lapse in academic brush-up.
Q4. P1: “What is your role at Deloitte? What is SAP and what do you do?”
The candidate explained his specific role as an SAP ABAP developer and defined the ERP system.
Q5. P1: “Competitor of SAP? What is Hadoop? What is MongoDB? What is NoSQL? Any other NoSQL database?”
The panel tested his technical domain knowledge, covering ERP rivals (e.g., Oracle, Salesforce), Big Data concepts (Hadoop), and modern database systems (MongoDB, Cassandra).
Q6. P2: “A Consulting firm was in the news for laying off employees, do you know which one?”
The candidate admitted unawareness of the specific layoff news but successfully named major consulting firms.
Q7. P2: “Who is the chairman of the Rajya Sabha? Who is the vice president of India?”
The candidate was tested on constitutional GK, correctly naming the Vice President, who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Q8. P1: “Tell me something about Adani? What is your take on him? Which company made the report? Do you agree with the report? What is a shell company? Is it a good practice?”
The panel conducted a prolonged, high-stakes discussion on the Hindenburg Report and the ethics of financial practices, requiring the candidate to define a shell company and discuss its legality.
Q9. P1: “Is TATA an ethical company? You said recently which means they were unethical before?”
The candidate was tested on ethical relativism and had to defend his prior statement, clarifying his intent was to affirm TATA’s current reputation without implying past wrongdoing.
Q10. P2: “Which company do you want to work for after your MBA? Which domain after MBA? What is your career goal? Which business leader inspires you? Do they have an MBA? Did any of them have an MBA from India?”
A rapid-fire series on career goals, motivations, and role models. The candidate successfully named CEOs, confirmed their MBA status, and identified an Indian MBA role model.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a highly effective stress test, utilizing psychological pressure (snatching the file, direct cheating accusation) and sustained cross-questioning (Adani report, graph drawing) to challenge the candidate’s poise. The candidate demonstrated exceptional resilience and intellectual agility, successfully managing complex ethical debates (shell companies) and technical concepts (NoSQL). While there were minor academic lapses (log graph blunder, forgetting Hadoop), the candidate’s ability to maintain composure, defend his high score logically, and articulate a clear career vision confirms his maturity for the program. This robust, high-stakes performance reflects the strategic preparedness gained through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non-Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 8
Candidate Profile
Name: Axxxxxx Vxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Lucknow ABM (Agri-Business Management)
CAT Percentile: Not Specified
Academics (UG): B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture, Fresher
Education: Non-Engineering Male (NEM), Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: General Category Inferred
Program: Arjun Saraf’s profile is highly relevant for the ABM program, requiring a strong command of agricultural economics and foundational science. This readiness for structured discussion is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The WAT topic was not provided in the transcript. Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate would be expected to deliver a structured and coherent essay, demonstrating strong argumentative skills and clarity of thought on the assigned topic.
IIM Lucknow ABM Interview Experience: Agriculture, Economics, and GK, ~10 minutes
The panel (two males) conducted a very short, factual interview focused on testing core academic concepts related to Agriculture and Economics, typical for an ABM program candidate.
Q1. Panel: “Tell me about yourself (TMAY). What are you doing currently?” The candidate gave a standard introduction and confirmed his current activity as a fresher.
Q2. Panel: “Did they teach you economics in UG? Law of supply? Law of demand? Exception to law of demand?” The panel tested foundational microeconomics. The candidate defined the laws and correctly named exceptions to the law of demand, such as Giffen goods or Veblen goods (goods of ostentation).
Q3. Panel: “Who started Chipko movement? Who started Green and White Revolution?” The candidate was tested on crucial figures in Indian history and agriculture (e.g., Sundarlal Bahuguna for Chipko, M.S. Swaminathan for Green Revolution, Varghese Kurien for White Revolution).
Q4. Panel: “What did they do in White Revolution?” The candidate explained the core program (Operation Flood), detailing the creation of a national milk grid and the cooperative model (Amul).
Q5. Panel: “How do you find if milk is adulterated? For paneer? What are the different tests for milk?” The panel pivoted to practical food science/dairy technology. The candidate needed to name basic tests for common adulterants (e.g., Lactometer test for water, iodine test for starch).
Q6. Panel: “What is your opinion on the usage of fertilizer and pesticides? Why should we use organic fertilizers?” The candidate discussed the trade-offs of chemical usage (high yield vs. environmental/health costs) and argued for organic fertilizers based on soil health, sustainability, and quality.
Q7. Panel: “What all calls do you have? Which would you prefer and why?” The candidate listed his other calls and articulated his preference for IIM Lucknow ABM, justifying it based on the program’s specialization.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was extremely short and factual, functioning as a rapid screening to verify the candidate’s core knowledge in agricultural economics, history, and basic food science. The absence of grilling and the short duration suggest the panel was quickly satisfied with the clarity and accuracy of the foundational answers. This focused performance, covering all necessary ABM domain topics concisely, confirms the candidate’s high degree of preparation.
Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 9
Candidate Profile
Name: Arjun Saraf
Interview: IIM Lucknow
CAT Percentile: Not Specified
Academics (UG): Industrial Engineering, Anna University (Guindy campus)
Education: Engineer Female
Work Experience: Fresher
Other: First-generation graduate; Runs an art venture; Focus on inspiring women’s education.
Program: Arjun Saraf’s strong personal narrative and entrepreneurial spirit are key assets for MBA admission. Her ability to leverage her unique background and articulate a clear social mission is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The WAT topic was not provided in the transcript. Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate would be expected to deliver a structured and coherent essay, demonstrating strong argumentative skills and clarity of thought on the assigned topic.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Conversation and Personal Journey, 15+ minutes
The panel P1-Male, P2-Female conducted a very friendly, conversation-driven interview, focusing almost entirely on the candidate’s personal values, entrepreneurial journey, and social impact goals, rather than technical or academic subjects.
Q1. P1: “Your company’s business model—don’t you think it’s risky?” The panel immediately questioned the stability or risk profile of the candidate’s current venture or employer.
Q2. P1: “You studied at Anna University? In the Guindy campus? What was your undergraduate domain?” The panel confirmed the candidate’s engineering background and prestigious institution.
Q3. P2: “Tell us about yourself and your hobbies.” The candidate spoke about her art venture, which generated genuine enthusiasm from the panel.
Q4. P2: “Do you know about NFTs Non-Fungible Tokens?” The candidate was asked to connect her art and creative background to modern digital finance and technology.
Q5. P1: “Art and creativity don’t always fit into the corporate world. Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” The candidate had to provide a strong rationale for the pivot, justifying the need for structured management knowledge to scale her creative ventures or impact.
Q6. P2: “That’s wonderful! You must have very supportive parents. Tell us more about your mother and father.” The panel showed genuine interest in her personal journey, especially after she mentioned being a first-generation graduate and inspiring women’s education in her village.
Q7. P1: “Follow-up question about your father’s business.” The panel inquired about the economic context and family background.
Q8. P2: “You applied for the SM program (Agri-Business Management or similar special program). Do you know it’s based in Noida?” The panel conducted a basic check on the candidate’s awareness of the program’s logistics and location, which the candidate admitted not knowing.
Q9. P2 (Closing): “Keep inspiring women to pursue education, and all the best!” The interview concluded on a warm, encouraging note, confirming the panel’s positive impression of her social mission.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was extremely warm and conversational, prioritizing motivation and personal narrative over quantitative or academic grilling. The panel was genuinely engaged by the candidate’s story as a first-generation graduate and her commitment to social impact (inspiring women’s education). The lack of questions on Industrial Engineering or work experience indicates the panel focused on assessing the candidate’s maturity, communication skills, and leadership potential. This performance, characterized by strong personal conviction and rapport building, is highly favorable for MBA admission. Her ability to leverage her unique background reflects the strategic guidance provided by PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non Engineer | Workex | Transcript 10
Candidate Profile
Name: Xccccc Kccccc
Interview: IIM Lucknow – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: Not Specified
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 10 CGPA / 95.4% / 7.46 CGPA (B.Tech)
Education: B.Tech Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Work Experience: 4 years 7 months
Other: General Engineer Male GEM; Challenged on low graduation score and financial planning.
Program: Xccccc Kccccc’s profile, marked by significant work experience and a challenging academic record, required a strong defense of his career timing and financial decisions. His strategic readiness to navigate tough personal and policy questions is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: How much more wait for ESG implementation? Duration: 15 mins The candidate needed to argue that the full-scale implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria should be immediate due to climate necessity and regulatory pressure, but that wait is inevitable due to high transition costs, data standardization issues, and geopolitical friction. The essay required strong time management for the 15-minute slot.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Personal Motivation and Academic Defense, 25+ minutes
The panel P1-Motivation/Risk, P2-Academics/Ranking conducted a probing interview that intensely questioned the candidate’s career timing, financial decisions, and commitment to the MBA program.
Q1. P1: “Explain your emotional journey from the moment the WAT topic was revealed, to when you finally realised the meaning and started writing to now.” The candidate described the initial confusion, the moment of realisation of the term ESG, and the subsequent scramble to write a meaningful response, confirming his emotional honesty.
Q2. P1: “What was your specialization in your graduation? What is Corrosion? Not in simple terms. Can it be cured?” The candidate stated his stream Metallurgical Engineering. He defined corrosion and explained that it can be prevented but not cured, using the Statue of Liberty as an example of sacrificial corrosion prevention.
Q3. P1: “You are doing fairly well for yourself, why do you want to do an MBA? Why waste 2 years for a course that doesn’t guarantee knowledge?” The candidate defended the necessity of cross-functional business education. He defended the two-year program by expressing a desire for the full college experience and network building.
Q4. P2: “Pointing out I hadn’t done well in differential equations and economics in my graduation, the 2 subjects that are needed in MBA.” The panel explicitly questioned the candidate’s quantitative preparation and academic weakness, directly linking it to the MBA curriculum requirements.
Q5. P1: “The emotional reason for the MBA makes more sense. But isn’t planning to save and then apply a big gamble when student loans are so easily available?” The candidate defended his choice to save and delay the MBA, citing his middle-class background, fiscal prudence, and desire not to burden his family with a large loan.
Q6. P1: “You must have calls from other IIMs, what is your order of priority?” The candidate refused to state a definitive order, saying he hadn’t decided. He provided a personal example for choosing IIML over IIMK despite the NIRF ranking difference (uncle living nearby) to justify non-reliance on general perspectives.
Q7. P2: “Is the general perspective close to the ranking of institutes?” The candidate explained that general perception relies on metrics like average package and curriculum, confirming the general validity of rankings while reaffirming his personal criteria.
Q8. P1: “So if you get selected in IIMI, then later IIML and then IIMB. Would you stick to IIMI?” The panel attempted to trap the candidate into a commitment. The candidate refused to lie, stating he hadn’t thought of a proper order, maintaining honesty.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a highly personal and strategic evaluation, focused less on academics and more on character, financial prudence, and honest motivation. The panel rigorously tested the candidate’s rationale for the MBA and the risk assessment of his career timing. His ability to defend his low B.Tech score, maintain honesty regarding his priority list (refusing to lie about IIMB), and justify his frugal financial planning demonstrated maturity and integrity. This performance, marked by genuine communication and principled defense, reflects the strategic depth and self-awareness gained through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 11
Candidate Profile
Name: Xccccc Kccccc
Interview: IIM Lucknow ABM (Agri-Business Management) – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: 98.96
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 90% / 80% / 8.6 GPA
Education: Non-Engineering Male (NEM), Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: Family business background; Hobbies include working out.
Program: Xccccc Kccccc’s profile as a fresher with a focus on ABM requires strong justification for the career gap and a clear aptitude for solving business problems in the agri-food sector. His strategic readiness is often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Nationalisation of Water Resources Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate needed to argue the complex trade-offs. The essay should discuss the Pros (equity, conservation, priority setting for basic needs, addressing market failure) against the Cons (inefficiency, bureaucracy, lack of investment, poor maintenance). The conclusion should argue for public control over allocation and pricing, with private sector involvement in infrastructure management.
IIM Lucknow ABM Interview Experience Case Study and Personal Motivation, 15+ minutes
The panel (P1-Senior/Case Study, P2-Junior/Motivation) conducted a very chill and conversational interview, focusing on the candidate’s business problem-solving skills in the agri-food value chain and personal motivations.
Q1. Panel: “Why did you apply only for ABM?” The candidate stated his rationale, connecting his interest in FMCG to the agri-business management specialization and confirming that he lacked the percentile for the PGP program.
Q2. P1: “Case Study: A company that manufactures potato chips required farmers to grow the same crop throughout the year which has created dissent among farmers. How will you increase the profits?” The candidate solved the practical agri-business case by proposing a solution: classifying farmers into groups and alternating the production schedule to allow for crop rotation and reduce dissent, while maintaining the supply chain.
Q3. Panel: “Did you get job offer from UG college? Why not workex before MBA?” The panel questioned the fresher status and career gap. The candidate provided his prepared justification for prioritizing the MBA immediately.
Q4. P1: “What’s your family’s business about?” The candidate gave a detailed overview of the family business, surprising P1 with his in-depth knowledge of its operations.
Q5. Panel: “What will you learn from MBA? What is your max in deadlift, bench press and squat?” The panel checked the candidate’s career goals and then immediately pivoted to his working out hobby, asking for specific lifting statistics.
Q6. Panel: “What will you contribute to the institute?” The candidate initially gave a generic answer but, when pressed for extra skills, mentioned his ability to play the guitar and flute, leading to a joke from P1 about cultural events.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was characterized by its chill, non-grilling atmosphere and a heavy focus on the agri-food business application. The candidate successfully solved the potato chips case study with a practical, nuanced solution that addressed both profit and farmer well-being. Although the panel was not entirely satisfied with the contribution answer, the candidate managed all personal and motivational questions effectively. This performance, marked by quick problem-solving and an easy rapport, confirms the candidate’s strong communication skills and readiness for the ABM environment.
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 12
Candidate Profile
Name: QXXXXXX RCCCCCCC
Interview: IIM Lucknow – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: Not Specified
Academics (UG/MS): BS-MS in Biological Sciences
Education: Non-Engineering Male NEM, Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: General Category Inferred
Program: Arjun Saraf’s background in advanced Biological Sciences requires a deep defense of core scientific concepts, particularly those related to genetics and physiology. His strategic readiness for this academic scrutiny is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Women empowerment, need for affirmative action.Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate needed to argue strongly for the necessity of affirmative action reservation/quotas. The essay should establish that empowerment alone is insufficient to correct historical and structural disadvantages and that affirmative action is necessary to achieve equitable outcomes and accelerate representation in politics, education, and the workforce.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Academic Deep Dive (Biological Sciences), 20+ minutes
The panel (two males, 40s and 50s) conducted a highly specialized and academically heavy interview, concentrating almost entirely on the candidate’s core biological knowledge and COVID-related science.
Q1. Panel: “Introduce yourself.” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. Panel: “Place where white tigers are present in India. Why are white tigers white in color?” The candidate was tested on specialized wildlife GK. He needed to explain that white tigers are not a separate subspecies but have a recessive gene that reduces pigmentation, resulting in leucism.
Q3. Panel: “Brainwaves generated in brain, Hypothalamus-Adrenal-Pituitary (HAP) axis function and what does it secrete?” A core physiology question. The candidate needed to name the brainwave types and explain the HAP axis, detailing its role in the stress response and the secretion of hormones like cortisol.
Q4. Panel: “Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system—keywords of parasympathetic nervous system and what are its functions.” The candidate explained the ‘rest and digest’ function of the parasympathetic system, citing keywords like Acetylcholine and its effects (lowered heart rate, stimulated digestion).
Q5. Panel: “No. of calls and what is IIM of choice.” The candidate listed his other calls and stated his preference for IIM Lucknow.
Q6. Panel: “Gave me a probability problem related to blood groups to solve.” The candidate was tested on his quantitative skills, applying probability and possibly statistics to a biological scenario (e.g., calculating the chance of a specific blood type offspring).
Q7. Panel: “Asked about my MS thesis and research methodology.” The candidate detailed his advanced research project, confirming his scientific rigor.
Q8. Panel: “COVID—do you think virus originated from China or bats to humans only? Is virus living or non-living? Difference between viral genome and normal genome.” A rapid-fire series of highly relevant biological questions. The candidate needed to define the living/non-living debate regarding viruses and explain the structural difference between viral genomes (often RNA, smaller, fewer genes) and typical eukaryotic/prokaryotic DNA genomes.
Q9. Panel: “Why did they ask us to wash our hands with soap during COVID—the reasoning behind it?” The candidate explained the fundamental chemistry: soap molecules are surfactants with hydrophilic and lipophilic ends. The lipophilic end dissolves the virus’s lipid envelope, destroying the viral structure and making it non-functional.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was extremely unique and rigorous, acting as a comprehensive defense of the candidate’s advanced academic specialization in Biological Sciences. The panel’s questions were highly technical (HAP axis, viral envelope chemistry, brainwaves), confirming the depth of the candidate’s scientific knowledge. The panel’s supportive demeanor and encouragement helped the candidate manage his initial nervousness. His ability to correctly answer complex scientific concepts and solve the quantitative problem under pressure confirms his high intellectual caliber. This strong academic performance, coupled with excellent composure, reflects the thorough strategic preparation gained through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 13
Candidate Profile
Name: Xccccc Kccccc
Interview: IIM Lucknow PGP – Details Removed
CAT Percentile: 99.95
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 95% / 95.4% / 73.7% (Tech Law)
Education: Technology Law, UPSC Aspirant
Work Experience: None (Career Gap since 2020)
Other: General Male GM; High percentile; Preparing for UPSC interview.
Program: Xccccc Kccccc’s exceptional CAT score and background in specialized law and UPSC preparation require strong conviction regarding the career shift. His readiness to debate policy and legal ethics is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program check out the program details here. For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Make in India – Too Little Too Late Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Lucknow. The candidate needed to write a balanced analysis. The essay should acknowledge the lag (Too Little Too Late, citing initial slow growth and competition from established nations) while defending its long-term strategic necessity (A Way Forward, citing PLI schemes, defense indigenization, and reduction of import dependency) for India’s economic sovereignty.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience Law, Policy, and Ethical Debate, 25+ minutes
The panel (two males) conducted a comprehensive and rigorous interview, focusing heavily on the candidate’s career path, legal expertise, constitutional law, and current political ethics.
Q1. Panel: “Introduce yourself.” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. Panel: “You studied such a beautiful degree, why change fields? But lawyers earn so much more at a senior level than managers?” The panel challenged the career pivot from lucrative law to management, requiring the candidate to justify the MBA based on broader managerial impact or strategic goals rather than mere compensation.
Q3. Panel: “You have a gap in your CV after 2020, why is that?” The candidate had to explain the gap, which was primarily dedicated to UPSC preparation.
Q4. Panel: “You are appearing for the UPSC interview as well this time, so there is little chance we will see you in our batch. How will you make the decision?” The candidate was asked the critical commitment question. The candidate needed to express enthusiasm for the MBA program while explaining the decision-making process transparently and diplomatically.
Q5. Panel: “Which area of law did you practice? What is technology law? Isn’t it a very controversial law?” The candidate explained his specific domain and defined technology law, acknowledging its controversial nature due to its constant collision with privacy, free speech, and jurisdiction.
Q6. Panel: “Have you heard of the recent law proposed related to online gambling?” The candidate was tested on recent policy and legal developments in the tech domain.
Q7. Panel: “What is the process of amendment of a law? Can the President return the law for reconsideration?” The panel drilled the candidate on Constitutional Law fundamentals (passage in both houses, types of majority, and the President’s suspensive veto power).
Q8. Panel: “What is freedom of speech as per you and are the restrictions on it justified? Why does India have so many restrictions when in France they can make cartoons on the Prophet?” The panel initiated a high-stakes debate on Article 19(1)(a), testing the candidate’s understanding of reasonable restrictions (Article 19(2)) and comparing India’s legal framework with that of secular Western nations.
Q9. Panel: “Are the actions of the BJP in protests like CAA justified? What according to you are the qualities of a good lawyer?” The candidate was tested on political ethics (CAA protests) and professional ethics (qualities of a good lawyer).
Q10. Panel: “What is your opinion regarding the tussle between legislature and executive on the appointment of judges? What is the solution to resolving pendency of cases in the judiciary?” The candidate discussed the Collegium system (judicial appointment) and proposed solutions for pendency (e.g., judicial reforms, increasing judicial strength, technology use).
Q11. Panel: “What is the appellate mechanism from NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) and the consumer courts?” The candidate was tested on commercial law, detailing the appellate hierarchy (NCLAT, then Supreme Court).
Panel’s Impression
The interview was exceptionally challenging, focused entirely on policy, law, and high-stakes ethics, typical for a candidate with a strong legal/UPSC background. The panel rigorously tested the candidate’s commitment to the MBA and his knowledge of the Constitution and current affairs. The candidate’s ability to maintain intellectual poise while discussing controversial political and legal topics, and his clear articulation of constitutional procedures, confirmed his high analytical caliber. This robust performance, marked by clarity in legal argumentation, reflects the strategic depth achieved through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
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